By Paul Salfen
In the world of entertainment, few actors embody versatility quite like Jonathan Roumie. Best known for his profound portrayal of Jesus in the hit series The Chosen, Roumie has captivated audiences with his depth and authenticity. But in his latest project, the romantic comedy O Solo Mio, he trades the sands of ancient Judea for the sun-drenched streets of Italy—and the result is a delightful, feel-good romp that harkens back to the golden era of cinema. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan to discuss this “wonderfully paid vacation” of a film, his collaboration with comedy legend Kevin James, and why this movie is a beacon of light in today’s cultural landscape.
From the moment we connected, Jonathan’s enthusiasm was palpable. “It sort of was [a paid vacation],” he admitted with a laugh, contrasting it sharply with the more grueling shoots for The Chosen. “Quite different. I prefer this one, actually, for many reasons—a lot less painful.” Shot amid Italy’s picturesque landscapes, O Solo Mio offered plenty of gelato, pasta, and good vibes, a far cry from the biblical epics he’s become synonymous with.
One of Jonathan’s standout memories? The sheer surrealism of day one on set. “We’re all just looking at each other like, ‘What are we doing here? How did we get here?’ I’m in a scene with Kevin James and Kim Coates, and we’re just having a blast, being told to just make it your own and have fun.” As an actor, he noted, it doesn’t get much better—especially in Italy. Roumie even tapped into his New York roots for the role, channeling his “inner Long Island boy” with true method acting flair. “I went back deep into my roots,” he shared. “I just remembered all those times I sat in Long Island pretending to be a therapist… Wait, no, I didn’t do that!”
The project’s origins were as spontaneous as they were serendipitous. “Kevin James called me up and says, ‘Hey, I think I got a movie for us.’ And I said, ‘Great, when do we start?'” There wasn’t even a script at the time, but Jonathan’s trust in James—a “comedic genius”—was unwavering. The film was brought to life by a talented team of Canadian brothers who handled writing, directing, editing, and even the music. As Jonathan delved into the story, his excitement grew: “This is perfect. This is so good.”
What sets O Solo Mio apart is its blend of whimsy, heart, and unexpected twists. After a packed theater screening, Jonathan beamed with pride. “It’s something really special. It’s something that nobody’s done in almost a generation—to put a rom-com like this in the theater that looks so beautiful, with plot twists that nobody sees coming.” Wholesome and accessible, it’s a film for everyone—from teenagers to octogenarians. My own parents, after watching it, echoed a common sentiment: “They don’t make movies like this anymore.” Jonathan agreed, explaining that Kevin aimed for nostalgia, evoking the enduring comfort films of the ’80s and ’90s. “Something that would just last and could be a comfort film for people.”
ANGEL STUDIOS O SOLO MIO WEBSITE
The marketing has been cleverly cheeky, too. A “guys go free” campaign—where men get in gratis with a female companion—has drawn crowds, but it’s the word-of-mouth buzz that’s truly propelling it. “You can’t beat word of mouth,” Jonathan emphasized. “That’s true advertising.”
Beyond the laughs, O Solo Mio carries deeper messages. “You’re never too old to find love or to find success at something later in life,” Jonathan reflected. “Time is a limiting concept in many ways… If you haven’t done it by this time, don’t bother? No, it’s not too late.” He also stressed the film’s theatrical essence: “This movie needs to be seen in theaters. It’s shot so beautifully that you couldn’t get the same experience on a phone or iPad. You need that communal experience—laughing with people, crying, gasping. That’s the apex of the cinematic experience.”
Tying it back to his broader career, Jonathan opened up about the power of art in culture. Fresh off The Chosen‘s cultural impact, he’s more aware than ever of storytelling’s influence. “It made me realize the power and the value of art in the culture… and the importance of bringing light to the culture versus darkness.” While O Solo Mio isn’t explicitly faith-based, its inherent values shine through. “The morals that come within a faith-centered culture are there, which is why anybody can watch it… We want people to feel good walking out.”
As our conversation wrapped, Jonathan’s passion was clear: this film is a blessing, a meaningful project that touches hearts and counters the shadows with joy. For fans of heartfelt cinema, O Solo Mio is a must-see in theaters—grab a date (or go solo!) and rediscover the magic of movies that make you smile.
Catch “O Solo Mio” in theaters now. Follow Jonathan Roumie on social media for more updates, and stay tuned to AMFM Magazine for exclusive interviews and entertainment insights.
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